Admissions to Reception (EYFS2) – September 2026

The school has an agreed admission number (PAN) of 45 pupils for entry into EYFS2 (Reception) from September 2026.  

This represents an increase from 30 places in 2024, but remains lower than the previous admission number of 60, reflecting changes in local birth rates. This arrangement has been agreed by the Local Authority.

Reception 2026 Tours

We would be delighted to show you Lainesmead Primary School and Nursery in action.

If your child is due to start school in September 2026, please contact the school office to arrange a tour.

📧 Email: admin@lainesmeadprimary.co.uk
📞 Tel: 01793 529106

Admissions to Reception (EYFS2) – September 2026

The school has an agreed admission number (PAN) of 45 pupils for entry into EYFS2 (Reception) from September 2026.

This represents an increase from 30 places in 2024, but remains lower than the previous admission number of 60, reflecting changes in local birth rates. This arrangement has been agreed by the Local Authority.

Reception 2026 School Tours

We would be delighted to show you Lainesmead Primary School and Nursery in action.

If your child is due to start school in September 2026, please contact the school office to arrange a tour.

📧 Email: admin@lainesmeadprimary.co.uk
📞 Tel: 01793 529106

Reception Admissions

All Reception admissions are the responsibility of Swindon Borough Council and places are allocated in line with the Local Authority Admissions Policy.

Parents/carers must apply online using the Swindon Borough Council admissions portal:

🔗 https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20071/swindon_places_and_admissions

You can express a preference for a minimum of three schools in rank order.

Please note:

Attendance at Lainesmead Nursery does not automatically transfer into Reception. A separate online application must be completed through Swindon Borough Council.

Key Dates for September 2026 Entry

• Application deadline: 15 January 2026
• Offer date: 16 April 2026

Late applications must be made directly through the Local Authority after the closing date.

Nursery Admissions

Free Early Education Entitlement

All 3- and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free early years education from the term following their third birthday, for 38 weeks per year.

Some families may be eligible for 30 hours free childcare, depending on working circumstances.

Additional paid hours, Breakfast Club and After School Club are also available.

When Can My Child Start Nursery?

Children can begin nursery at the start of a term following their third birthday:

• Born 1 Jan – 31 Mar → Start Spring Term (after 1 April)
• Born 1 Apr – 31 Aug → Start Summer Term (after 1 September)
• Born 1 Sep – 31 Dec → Start Autumn Term (after 1 January)

Children may also start from their third birthday where proof of eligible 2-year-old funding has been provided.

How to Apply for Nursery

Nursery admissions are managed directly by the school.

To apply:

• Complete a Nursery Application Form (available from the school office or website)
• Submit it to admin@lainesmeadprimary.co.uk

Offers are emailed the term before the requested start date.

Parents must confirm acceptance within two weeks.

Please note:

• Nursery is a non-statutory phase.
• There is no statutory right of appeal for nursery admissions.
• A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place.

Nursery Admission Criteria

The nursery has 39 places available.

If oversubscribed, priority will be given to:

1. Looked After Children
2. Children with social, medical or educational need (with supporting evidence)
3. Siblings of children attending the school
4. Children living nearest to the school

Nursery Sessions Available

Option 1 – 15 Hours

• 5 morning sessions (8:30–11:30am)
  OR
• 5 afternoon sessions (12:30–3:30pm)

Option 2 – 15 Hours

• 2 x 6-hour sessions (8:30am–2:30pm)
• Plus 1 morning or afternoon session

Option 3 – 30 Hours

• 5 full days (8:30am–3:30pm)
• Additional hour charged at £5.20 per hour where applicable

Hot meals available at £2.80 per day via ParentPay or children may bring a packed lunch.

A voluntary £5 per term contribution is requested for consumables.

For pupils who wish to start in any other year group, parent/carers must contact the Swindon Admission Service to complete an online ‘in–year admission form'. The school is notified of pupils who have been offered a place at the school. The school then contacts the parent/carer to arrange an induction meeting and a start date is agreed between the school and the parent/carer. Parent/carers must take up offer of a place within 28 school days or the place is withdrawn.

If you are unsure at any stage during the process, please contact the Admissions Team for advice:-

School Admissions
Swindon Borough Council, Beckhampton Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH
Email: schooladmissions@swindon.gov.uk
Tel: (01793) 445500

Fax: (01793) 465770